Braves' Pendleton Pulls Out Of the Nats' Manager Chase

Atlanta Braves hitting coach Terry Pendleton took himself out of consideration for the Washington Nationals' managing job, further whittling the pool of prospective candidates to replace Frank Robinson.

Pendleton declined to comment when reached by phone last night. Earlier in the day, he told MLB.com: "I thought my obligations at this time are to the Braves. I knew that they really wanted me back and I didn't think it was fair to keep them on a string."

Pendleton has three children whom he wants to raise in suburban Atlanta, and some close to the former batting champion thought that would be a factor in his decision. He also could become a candidate to succeed Bobby Cox with the Braves.

The news comes a day after former Florida Marlins manager Joe Girardi told the club he was pulling his name from consideration, citing family concerns. Girardi, in St. Louis to work as an analyst for Fox, reiterated those thoughts yesterday, saying, "It just wasn't the right time for my family and me."

New York Mets third base coach Manny Acta may now become prominent in the Nationals' plans. He also has interviewed for the openings in Texas and San Francisco.